BEIJING — A recent joint statement issued by a China-EU leaders’ meeting demonstrates the commitment of both two sides to solidarity and cooperation in the face of challenges to multilateralism, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a press briefing on April 10.

The 21st China-EU leaders’ meeting co-chaired by Premier Li Keqiang and EU leaders issued a joint statement on April 9, dismissing media stories that both sides were so far apart they would not be able to issue a joint document.

Speaking of positive remarks on the progress of China-EU relations, spokesperson Lu Kang said China and the EU were on the same page in terms of broad common interests, win-win pragmatic cooperation, upholding multilateralism, an open world economy, opposing protectionism, unilateralism, improving global governance and maintaining world peace and stability.

“It’s quite normal China and the EU to disagree on certain issues,” Lu said, noting that the joint statement showed that differences could be properly addressed via dialogue and consultation.

“It’s a demonstration of the high-level China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and the spirit of win-win cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis.”

Lu said as the two major stabilizing forces and economies, China and the EU were committed to upholding multilateralism, and respecting international laws and basic norms governing international relations, with the United Nations at the core.

“In the context of the complex and volatile international situation, the joint statement demonstrates China and the EU’s commitment to solidarity and cooperation in the face of the challenges to multilateralism,” the spokesperson said, calling the significance of the joint statement as “going beyond the bilateral scope.”

“China stands ready to work with the EU in implementing the consensus reached at the meeting, to advance China-EU cooperation to a higher level, and make sustained contribution to world peace and development,” Lu added.